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The thing I've learned from the whole Lambda awards brouhaha is short and simple, and I should tattoo it onto my heart in case I ever forget:
when discussing anything which may be in the slightest bit contentious, never, never, NEVER indulge in hyperbole. Because there is no statement so hyperbolic (if that's a word) that someone, somewhere will not take it at face value. And the next thing you know it will be plastered all over the internet that you're any *ist going. And a load of people will not check what it was you said originally, if you were joking or indulging in hyperbole or even if the speaker was lying. They will just take that person at their word, and so the meme will spread.
Hyperbole. It's a risky thing.
when discussing anything which may be in the slightest bit contentious, never, never, NEVER indulge in hyperbole. Because there is no statement so hyperbolic (if that's a word) that someone, somewhere will not take it at face value. And the next thing you know it will be plastered all over the internet that you're any *ist going. And a load of people will not check what it was you said originally, if you were joking or indulging in hyperbole or even if the speaker was lying. They will just take that person at their word, and so the meme will spread.
Hyperbole. It's a risky thing.